SOUTHERN WEIGHT LOSS NZ

08/02/2026

At Southern Weight Loss, we often hear that the most meaningful outcome after weight-loss surgery isn’t the number on the scales, it’s getting life back.

This patient underwent gastric bypass surgery at age 52 and is now three years post-operation. Over time, she experienced substantial weight loss, significant health improvements, and most importantly, a return to activities she hadn’t been able to enjoy for many years.
She describes improved wellbeing, no major complications, and ongoing confidence in her care. That trust extended further, with her later choosing our team to care for her daughter as well.
Stories like this highlight what carefully selected, well-supported bariatric surgery can achieve for the right patient, when combined with experience, structured follow-up, and long-term support.

If you’re in Dunedin, Otago, or Southland and would like a calm, informed conversation about evidence-based options for treating obesity, surgical and non-surgical, our team is here to help.

👉 Learn more or book a consultation with Mark Grant and the Southern Weight Loss team.

This post describes an individual patient experience shared with permission. Results and experiences vary between individuals. Weight loss and health outcomes depend on many factors, including medical history, lifestyle, and adherence to follow-up care. Bariatric surgery carries risks and may not be suitable for everyone. A full consultation is required to determine appropriate treatment.

08/02/2026

Gained Weight Overnight? Read This.

Before you panic: to gain 1 kg of fat you’d need ~7,700 extra calories over time.
Most scale fluctuations are water from hormones, stress, salt, carbs, or sleep.
We help patients focus on real, sustainable progress.

08/02/2026

Healthy habits aren’t about being perfect.

They’re about building something you can sustain.

For many people across Dunedin, Otago, and Southland, weight loss has meant years of dieting, guilt, and regain despite genuine effort. That’s because obesity is not a willpower problem. It’s a medical condition influenced by biology, hormones, metabolism, sleep, stress, and environment.

The real goal isn’t:

• hitting an exact step count every day
• eating “perfectly” all the time
• eliminating stress completely
• or sleeping a precise number of hours each night

The real goal is creating habits that:
✔ fit your life
✔ support your health
✔ can be repeated long-term
At Southern Weight Loss, we take a medical, evidence-based approach to obesity care. That may include lifestyle support, medical therapies, or bariatric surgery always tailored to the individual.

If you’re feeling stuck and unsure what your next step should be, a calm, informed conversation can make all the difference.

📍 Southern Weight Loss – Dunedin
Caring for patients across Otago and Southland

Mr Mark Grant, Upper GI & Bariatric Surgeon

07/02/2026

After bariatric surgery, vitamin and mineral absorption changes which is why standard supermarket multivitamins are often not enough.

Procedures such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery reduce food intake and alter digestion. Over time, this can increase the risk of deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and other essential nutrients ,often without obvious symptoms at first.

Bariatric-formulated multivitamins are designed specifically for people who have had weight loss surgery. They:

• Provide higher, appropriate doses of key nutrients
• Use forms that are better absorbed after surgery
• Account for reduced stomach acid and bypassed intestine
• Help protect long-term health when taken consistently

In New Zealand, commonly used bariatric multivitamin options include MyNewTumm, BNhealthy, BariLife, and Tricc. Each has different formulations and formats, and the right choice depends on your type of surgery, stage after surgery, and blood test results.

At Southern Weight Loss, we place strong emphasis on lifelong follow-up and evidence-based supplementation to support safe, sustainable outcomes after bariatric surgery.

📍 Caring for patients across Dunedin, Otago & Southland
⚠️ Always follow advice from your bariatric team. Individual needs vary.

07/02/2026

After gastric bypass surgery, calcium absorption changes and understanding this is essential for long-term bone health.

Gastric bypass reduces stomach acid and bypasses key sections of the small intestine where calcium is normally absorbed. Because of this, calcium carbonate may not be absorbed effectively, even when taken regularly.

Calcium citrate does not require stomach acid, which is why it is the recommended form of calcium after bariatric surgery.

Without adequate calcium and vitamin D, patients can develop:

• Bone thinning and osteoporosis
• Increased fracture risk
• Muscle cramps or tingling
• Silent, progressive bone loss over time

As Mr Mark Grant, Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon at Southern Weight Loss, regularly explains to patients supplements after surgery are not optional. They are a critical part of protecting long-term health.

With the right supplementation, regular blood tests, and ongoing follow-up, most patients can maintain strong bones and excellent outcomes after surgery.

📍 Caring for patients across Dunedin, Otago & Southland
⚠️ Individual assessment and advice are essential. Always follow your bariatric team’s recommendations.

06/02/2026

Obesity is not just about weight it is a chronic medical condition that can affect nearly every system in the body.
Carrying excess body fat increases the risk of:
• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
• High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
• Joint pain, arthritis, and reduced mobility
• Obstructive sleep apnoea and poor sleep
• Acid reflux, gallstones, and digestive problems
• Reduced quality of life and mental wellbeing challenges
For many people, repeated dieting doesn’t lead to lasting results — not because of a lack of effort, but because of powerful biological and hormonal drivers of weight regain.
At Southern Weight Loss, we are committed to reducing obesity bias, improving understanding, and helping people access evidence-based treatment options, including lifestyle support, medical therapy, and bariatric surgery available locally in Dunedin and across Otago and Southland.
If you’re ready for a calm, informed conversation about your health and your options, support is available.
Dunedin
⚠️ Individual assessment required. Results vary.

03/02/2026

Start here.
This page is about treating obesity as a medical condition with compassion, science, and respect.
If you’re tired of blame, confusion, or conflicting advice, you’re welcome here.
📍 Dunedin | Otago | Southland
👨‍⚕️ Upper GI & Bariatric Surgery
📚 Education • Awareness • Support

02/02/2026

Protein is it really that important for weight loss?
If you’re using GLP-1 medications or have had weight loss surgery, the answer is yes and for an important reason.
GLP-1 therapy and bariatric surgery reduce appetite, which supports weight loss. However, when food intake drops quickly, the body can also lose muscle, not just fat especially if protein intake is too low.
Why protein matters:
• Helps preserve lean muscle mass
• Supports metabolism and strength
• Improves fullness with smaller meals
• Supports long-term weight maintenance
Typical daily protein targets:
• Women: around 80–100 g per day
• Men: around 100–120 g per day
These are general guides only. Protein needs vary depending on body size, activity level, stage after surgery, and whether you’re using GLP-1 medications which is why personalised advice is so important.
At Southern Weight Loss, we provide local, specialist weight loss care for patients across Dunedin, Otago, and Southland, working closely with dietitians to support safe, sustainable results.
📍 Clinics for patients from Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown, Wanaka, and surrounding regions.
Important information:
This post is general education only and does not replace personalised medical or dietetic advice. Protein requirements should be individualised with your healthcare team or registered dietitian, particularly after bariatric surgery or when using GLP-1 medications.

01/02/2026

01/02/2026